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Mindmap for End-to-End Supply Chain Traceability

Supply chains are becoming increasingly international and finely meshed, and hence more complex. In order to provide the required level of service to highly demanding customers and to gain a firm grip on the supply chain, end-to-end traceability of goods is essential. But this presents major supply chain challenges. Supply Chain Movement has collaborated with Zetes, a specialist in supply chain solutions and supplier of automatic identification and mobile solutions, to produce this mindmap for end-to-end supply chain traceability. It outlines the route and includes road signs indicating potential hazards along the way.

Mindmap manual

Consumers around the world are becoming more and more demanding, not least because of the growth in social media and online shopping. Globalisation, increasing legislation and the call for improved sustainability are all making supply chain management ever-more complex. Meanwhile new technological advancements such as 3D printing, RFID, cloud computing, smart watches and glass technology are creating uncertainty and opportunities alike. For end-to-end traceability of goods flows, companies must gain an overview of the entire supply chain and all contact points within it: Plan.

These trends have differing levels of impact on the various departments within a company. Sales & Marketing wants to avoid having to say ‘No’ to customers and is keen to strengthen customer loyalty. Reducing costs and improving the cash flow remain key focal points. Sharing data within the various supply chains is absolutely essential, making IT management crucial. A major challenge for HR is to achieve efficient staffing levels across all locations. Such demands at departmental level require companies to draw up action plans: Do.

The supply chain department faces a variety of challenges. The complexity of packaging is increasing all the time. The precise location of goods is not always certain, and the flows of goods are often not watertight. Furthermore, there is a rising proliferation of different logistics IT systems, all of which must be connected together. These challenges demand a structured, sequential analysis of control points in the supply chain to ensure correct deliveries: Check.

The solutions for tracing goods in the supply chain are related to various areas. For example, packaging-level identification throughout the chain guarantees compliance, among other things.

Real-time data communication makes it possible to seamlessly integrate proof of delivery and dock door control – in other words, automatic registration of incoming and outgoing goods. Today’s technology offers smart solutions for use in the logistics process, from distribution centres through to on-shelf availability in stores. The utilisation of a cloud-based IT platform ensures uniformity, accessibility and management, and offers opportunities for app development. These solutions for end-to-end traceability enable companies to capitalise on trends around the world: Act.